From Mandela’s first notes to coalition chorus-three decades of South African leadership, transformation gains, and the verses still unsung
South Africa’s Leadership in 2025: Transformation, Unity, and the Work Still Unfinished
South Africa’s Democratic Journey: From Mandela to the 7th Administration
Our democracy is often told through the lens of presidents — each leaving a unique imprint on the nation’s path to change. But beyond speeches and photo ops lies the harder question: have we truly changed what matters most?
As a young Black businesswoman deeply committed to real economic participation, I have witnessed promises, policies, and partnerships—yet persistent gaps refuse to close. It is a history of hope, hard lessons, and an urgent call for a new kind of leadership.
Nelson Mandela (1994–1999)
Mandela’s presidency was a moral compass, prioritising reconciliation over economic restructuring. It was South Africa’s “founding phase”—establishing freedom but not yet dismantling apartheid’s economic foundations. Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) emerged but largely remained symbolic for most.
Thabo Mbeki (1999–2008)
The technocrat. Under Mbeki, GEAR and AsgiSA sought to accelerate growth. BEE codes were formalised, allowing Black professionals to enter corporate spaces. Yet the “two economies” problem persisted—a thriving corporate core versus struggling township economies.
Kgalema Motlanthe (2008–2009)
A stabiliser after Mbeki’s recall, Motlanthe maintained steady policies but saw little momentum in transformation.
Jacob Zuma (2009–2018)
Transformation expanded on paper—radical economic transformation, localisation, and the National Development Plan (NDP). But corruption and state capture eroded trust. Many Black-owned businesses became political pawns rather than empowered players.
Cyril Ramaphosa (2018–2024)
The “new dawn” promised investment and reform. Black industrialist programmes grew, but impact remained limited. The COVID-19 pandemic deepened inequality and slowed progress.
The 7th Administration (GNU Era, 2024– )
Now, with the Government of National Unity, South Africa enters uncharted territory—balancing radical inclusion with political stability. The real test: will transformation be a lived reality or remain a line item in government plans?
Gains and Gaps
Progress: A growing Black middle class, Black CEOs, and global success stories.
Reality: JSE ownership remains overwhelmingly white; rural areas remain underdeveloped; township economies continue to be starved of capital.
Transformation has too often been treated as an event—a speech or a policy launch—rather than a sustained national project. Seeds have been planted without the irrigation system to make them grow.
Cohesion vs. Truth
Unity saved South Africa from civil war in 1994, but unity without justice risks becoming a performance. Avoiding honest conversations about systemic exclusion only delays true transformation.
The Persistent Challenges
- Economic Ownership: Who owns South Africa’s wealth, not just who manages it?
- Policy Implementation: Closing the gap between law and lived experience.
- Corruption: Every stolen rand is stolen transformation.
- Education: The true game-changer, yet still failing the majority.
Changing the Unchanged
Transformation must evolve from compliance to competitiveness. That means:
- Scaling Black Business: Factories, export capabilities, innovation hubs.
- Local Capital Pools: Ownership and control of funding sources.
- Rural & Township Growth Zones: Development beyond urban centres.
- Accountability Scorecards: Measurable targets with consequences.
- Intergenerational Investment: Passing the baton, not hoarding wealth.
We’ve had different leaders, promises, and plans. Yet the fundamentals—economic ownership, education equity, and Black industrial participation—remain largely untouched.
The real question is no longer who holds office, but who will transform the parts of South Africa that have resisted change for decades.
Until then, transformation risks remaining where it has been for 30 years—on paper, not in people’s lives.
Linda Tom is the BBQ Awards Project Manager
